Melanocytic Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor of the Male Breast

SUMMARY: BACKGROUND: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors are rare tumor entities that originate from peripheral nerve sheaths and have an unfavorable prognosis. Common sites include deeper soft tissues, usually in the proximity of a nerve trunk. Breast is an absolutely rare location of this lesion, and presentation as a breast lump in the male breast is even rarer. CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of a painless mass of the left breast. Tissue biopsy was performed. Histopathology revealed a malignant spindle cell tumor which was confirmed to be a melanocytic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor on the basis of immunopositivity for HMB45 and S-100. CONCLUSION: There are no generally accepted guidelines for the treatment of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors in the male breast. The patient was referred for radiation therapy after simple mastectomy.